News
Council’s Planning Committee approves ambitious dockyard plans

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL’s Planning Committee this morning (Tuesday, May 18) approved an application for the construction of a new marine engineering project at Pembroke Dock’s Royal Dockyard.
The plans, vociferously opposed by local heritage groups, passed unanimously.
The matter will now go to the Welsh Government, which has reserved its position on the scheme’s approval.
Committee members expressed the view that the balance between heritage and economic development were balanced, with strong views expressed on either side. They decided the balance of the application favoured economic development subject to conditions regarding aspects of the site’s preservation and its ability to be restored in the future.
The Committee members who attended a site visit on Wednesday, May 12, said it was the most informative and best site visit they had this council term. Visiting the site gave them a clearer idea about what was planned and the scale of the project, which would not have been gained from a paper exercise.
While the approval of the scheme was unanimous, one element of the reserved matters caused some members concern: the height and size of the proposed massive new sheds which would be built at a later phase of the project.
Cllr David Pugh, seconded by Cllr Steve Alderman, moved an amendment which would approve the project and delegate reserved matters to officers apart from the sheds’ construction, which would return to the Committee for detailed approval.
Cllr Tony Wilcox and Cllr Mark Carter emphasised the need for certainty regarding the project’s development, a position supported by Cllr David Howlett, Cllrs Pugh, Alderman and Cllr Stephen Joseph said that little delay would be caused to the scheme by bringing the sheds’ development back to the Committee. They noted the significant intrusion of the sheds into the landscape for miles around.
Planning Officer Mike Simmons advised that the project would proceed in five phases and that the applicant, Milford Haven Port Authority, was keen to proceed with the first phase as soon as possible. The first phase would be the infilling of the docks and pool, removing a caisson gate and preserving it, before the building of new slipways.
The Port Authority already accepted the sheds would only be built if there was commercial demand for them.
The amendment proposed by Cllr Pugh passed by six votes to five with two abstentions.
It means before the sheds are built, the Committee will decide the detailed application relating to them.
All other aspects of the development will be decided by officers.
News
Tenby councillors seek new member to fill vacancy

TENBY TOWN COUNCIL is inviting residents to put their names forward to fill a vacant seat on the council following the resignation of a councillor.
The council will be filling the role by co-option, rather than holding a by-election. This means that eligible individuals can apply directly to be considered, and councillors will then vote to select a new member.
Anyone interested must be over the age of 18 and meet standard criteria such as living or working in the Tenby area.
The vacancy is in the South Ward. The successful candidate will join the remaining members of the council in representing the town on local issues.
Those wishing to be considered should submit a letter or email outlining their interest and suitability for the role by 12:00 noon on Friday, July 5, 2025.
Applications should be sent to the Town Clerk, Andrew Davies, at Tenby Town Council, The De Valence Pavilion, Upper Frog Street, Tenby, SA70 7JD, or by email to [email protected].
The co-option will take place at the full council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 9, 2025.
Business
Much-loved Narberth restaurant Madtom closes and goes on the market

A POPULAR restaurant in Narberth has closed its doors and is now up for sale.
Madtom Land & Sea, known for its fresh seafood and highly rated dining experience, announced the closure this week, bringing an end to six years of trading in the bustling Pembrokeshire town.
The team behind Madtom shared the news on social media, saying the decision had been made “with a heavy heart” and that it was “time to slow down a little, gather our thoughts and focus on the next chapter.”
The restaurant, which boasts more than 300 Tripadvisor reviews and a near-perfect Facebook recommendation rating, has now been listed for sale. Interested parties are encouraged to get in touch to arrange viewings.
The statement thanked customers and staff, saying: “Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past six years, and to our fantastic team—we couldn’t have done it without you.”
The announcement prompted an outpouring of messages from loyal customers and locals.
Kevin Clarke wrote: “Amongst the best dining experiences in Pembrokeshire. Good luck for the next chapter.”
Sue James-Davies said: “Very sorry you are closing but wish you all the very best for the future. Narberth won’t be the same without you.”
Caroline Husecken added: “So sad that you have closed—you will be so missed by us all in Narberth. You have been a huge asset to the town.”
The business is currently being marketed via private enquiry.
Community
West Wales marchers press on as Egyptian authorities crack down on Gaza protest

No reports of Pembrokeshire detentions as international participants face violence and deportation
ACTIVISTS from Pembrokeshire taking part in the Global March to Gaza remain on course to reach the Rafah border crossing on Sunday (June 15), despite a sweeping crackdown by Egyptian authorities on demonstrators from across the world.
The Herald understands that no members of the West Wales delegation, including Jim Scott and Tasmin Nash, have been detained, and Scott remained active on social media as recently as Friday morning.

However, disturbing scenes have emerged from Cairo and beyond, where activists from countries including France, Spain, Turkey, Canada, and the UK have had their passports confiscated, been forcibly removed from checkpoints, and in some cases physically assaulted by men in plain clothes. Footage circulating online shows demonstrators being kicked and dragged away, while some tried to defend themselves by throwing water bottles.
According to organisers, at least 40 protesters had their passports seized and were held in the heat without being allowed to move. Others—around 15 activists—are being held in hotels under restriction.
Among those confirmed detained are:
- Paul Murphy, Irish MP
- Faruk Dincer, Turkish MP (reportedly injured during arrest)
- Hala Rharrit, former US diplomat who resigned in protest over Washington’s handling of the war
Murphy posted: “We have had our passports confiscated and are being detained. It seems Egyptian authorities have decided to crack down on the #GreatMarchToGaza. We are refusing to board the deportation bus.”
The Global March to Gaza involves over 4,000 people from 80 countries, including a delegation of West Walians who set off from Al Arish on Friday morning for a 30-mile, three-day trek across the Sinai desert, aiming to reach Rafah on Sunday.
A separate 2,000-strong convoy travelling from Tunisia was also stopped by security forces in eastern Libya on Friday.
Despite the chaos, Jim Scott, a tree surgeon from Mathry, and CND Cymru delegate, has not reported any arrest or obstruction, telling supporters on Thursday night: “I’m OK. Safe for tonight. But an insane day. Completely insane.”
Tasmin Nash, an art curator and mother of four from Pembrokeshire, also remains unconfirmed among any detained. Speaking earlier this week, she said: “I cannot rest. I cannot stay silent. Now is the time to mobilise our passion and humanity. We are united for justice and solidarity for Palestine.”
The crackdown reflects Egypt’s tense balancing act. As the first Arab country to sign a peace treaty with Israel and a major recipient of US military aid, Egypt has attempted to publicly call for peace while suppressing grassroots pro-Palestinian actions within its borders.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Wednesday that he expected Egypt to “halt demonstrators at the Egypt-Israel border”, adding that their arrival would “endanger the security of IDF soldiers” and would not be tolerated.
Meanwhile, Israel has allowed limited aid into Gaza since last month, but international aid groups and UN agencies warn that the volume is nowhere near sufficient to meet the needs of the population. The humanitarian situation remains catastrophic.
Organisers of the march have called on embassies to intervene to secure the release of detained protesters, stressing: “We are a peaceful movement, and we are complying with Egyptian law.”
The Herald will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as the West Wales delegation nears Rafah.

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